Philippine House rejects Aquino impeachment

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine House of Representatives’ justice committee has rejected three impeachment complaints against President Benigno Aquino III.

The committee, dominated by Aquino allies, voted against the complaints, 54-4, on Tuesday, declaring them insufficient in substance and killing the challenges.

The complaints were filed by mostly left-wing activists and sponsored by the House’s left-wing bloc. They accused Aquino of culpable violation of the constitution, betrayal of public trust and corruption.

The complaints cited Aquino’s implementation of a major economic stimulus program declared partly unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and a defense cooperation agreement that gives American troops greater access to bases across the Philippines.

The son of pro-democracy icons, Aquino won the presidency by a wide margin in 2010 on a promise to rid his nation of corruption and widespread poverty.